Cowboys' Romo backs O-line despite sack issues

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo (9) is helped to his feet by teammates during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 23, 2012 in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Tim Sharp)

But when it comes to how they publicly treat their offensive linemen, the quarterbacks couldn't be more different.

In Week 2, Cutler drew national attention for berating left tackle J'Marcus Webb after he gave up three of the seven sacks Green Bay recorded in downing the Bears 23-10.

In losing 16-10 to the Cowboys last week, Tampa Bay roughed up Romo to the tune of four sacks and several other hits. But when asked about the play of the line Friday, Romo was only encouraging.

“They're continuing to get better every week they play,” said Romo, who will lead the Cowboys (2-1) against the Bears (2-1) on Monday night in Arlington. “You're always going to have things you want to do better, but they're working hard and have had a great week of practice.”

Asked where his confidence in the line was on a scale of 1 to 10, Romo told reporters in Irving, “Let's go with a 10. I feel very confident.”

Romo is no stranger to punishment. In seven seasons as a starter, he's suffered several injuries, including a broken collarbone and a punctured lung. None of that, though, is reason to castigate his teammates, Romo said.

“You just go out and play,” he said. “At the end of the day, I have to control what I control. If someone gets beat, it's my job to help them out every once in a while. They're going to make me look better on other plays. It's just everybody helping everybody.”

Romo, who was sacked a career-high 36 times last season and has already been sacked seven times in 2012, could be in for more pain Monday night. The Bears lead the league in sacks with 14.

So is he worried?

“It's part of playing quarterback in the NFL,” Romo said. “Sometimes people are going to hit you.”